Kinky Boots Hit the Streets

Twice a year, San Francisco is home to a street fair catering to the kinky among us; Up Your Alley in July and Folsom Street Fair in September. This coming weekend is Up Your Alley, the smaller of the two fairs, but it's growing every year and is truly unique in its own right.

Over time, a plethora of events and happenings have emerged surrounding these street fairs. Some are directly connected to the host organization, Folsom Street Events, and some are not. There is something for everyone and this year there's more available to do than ever.

There is a calendar that accompanies this column on which you'll find gobs of events to attend. Start making plans. Aren't we in the Bay Area lucky to have all these kink event options!

Let's start with the main event and the other official Folsom Street Events.

Of course, the street fair itself is a must-attend. Thousands of mostly gay men gather, many leathered or geared up, to revel in their hot fetish kinkiness. For those for whom a more concentrated gay male energy environment is appealing, you'll like Up Your Alley.

The preponderance of gay men at Up Your Alley makes sense when you consider that unlike its big brother, Folsom Street Fair, Up Your Alley was a gay and leather event from the start since it was first held on August 25, 1985 on Ringold Alley. It began as a fundraiser and the two fairs, and all the officially associated events, continue to be fundraisers for community nonprofits

The fair takes place Sunday, July 30, 11am to 6pm, and happens on Dore Alley between Howard and Folsom, continuing on Folsom from 9th to Juniper and the adjoining block of 10th. I hope to see you there. I'll be the guy in leather (grin).

Folsom Street Events hosts three more events this weekend that all contribute to increasing the monies they can annually donate to their nonprofit beneficiaries. First up is Hog Wild at the SF Eagle on Friday. Then Saturday night you can dance late into the night at Bay of Pigs at Public Works. That takes you right into Up Your Alley street fair Sunday followed immediately by the official closing party, Rough, at Mezzanine.

Patrick Finger, Managing Director of Folsom Street Events, had this to say about the upcoming weekend.

"2017 marks the 32nd Up Your Alley, and Folsom Street Events couldn't be more excited to bring San Francisco another epic weekend," he said. "Given the current U.S. Administration, there's a great deal of talk about making sure our voices continue to be heard. Equally important is that we, as a community, continue to be seen. Our events give everyone that opportunity. Whoever you are, whatever you're into, be proud, be seen!"

So, that's what's to do among the official events. But much like Leather Week that grew up around Folsom Street Fair, the week leading up to Up Your Alley is growing equally busy for leathermen and kinksters. If you're a kinky gay man and can't find something fun to do, you're not looking very hard.

I can't mention every possible event you can attend, but here's just a few of the more unique options for those guys closely aligned with the leather and kink scene.

One of the most iconic leathermen to ever live in San Francisco is the late Alan Selby who founded Mr. S Leather many years ago. Alan was friend and mentor to many and was one of the most beloved leathermen in town. Jordy Tackitt-Jones has written a much-anticipated biography about Alan and the book's launch and author signing is taking place at Mr. S Leather on Thursday from 4-8pm. Stop by, buy one of the first available copies, and have the author sign it.

I'll never forget the first time I walked into Mr. S Leather years ago and was immediately greeted by Alan. He smiled at me and said,"I have just the hat for you." He plopped a beautifully crafted leather cap on my head and I was instantly sold. I own and cherish that hat still.

On Friday, I'll be on a panel with Rajat Dutta, Jordy Tackitt-Jones and Gayle Rubin, facilitated by Greg Pennington, at the GLBT Historical Society Museum on 18th Street in the Castro for a presentation titled "Leather: Where We Came From, Where We're Going." This event is being held in conjunction with their "South of Market: San Francisco's Leather Scene" display in the Queer Past Becomes Present exhibition. The panel is 7pm-9pm with a social hour starting afterward at 9pm.

I try to always support the sober leatherfolk among us and in addition to the regular weekly Sober Kink Together meetings at the Castro Country Club held every Friday there's also a Clean and Sober Munch being held on Saturday at Wicked Grounds from 6-8pm.

One way our kink communities maintain their strength and solidity is by supporting those among us who struggle with substances. I'm glad to see our city have such support mechanisms in place for our kinky brethren.

After the Fair on Sunday, do you want to play? The men of BLUF SF in collaboration with SF Catalyst are opening their dungeon space to men from 6-9pm at 1060 Folsom Street. They're also hosting social time for men prior to that and that social time will progress into play time at 6pm.

Many other events could be pointed out here. Again, check out the calendar that accompanies this column. I've never seen this many varied events being offered at this time of year before. My recommendation? Go to as many as you can! You can catch up on sleep next week. Grab these opportunities. We only have these big leather weeks twice a year.

See you around! Again, I'll be the guy in leather.

Race Bannon is a local author, blogger and activist. You can reach him at www.bannon.com